Centenarians led rewarding lives

Credit hard work for living long and happy days.

Credit hard work for living long and happy days.

December 14, 2006

Before we celebrate a prominent birthday later this month, I want to salute two 100-year-old West-Siders who recently had their own birthdays. I sat down with Ann Howard and Arthur Lawrence. Both were born in Mississippi, but moved here years ago. They enjoy talking about their rewarding lives. *** "I have always had a pretty good life," said Ann Howard. "One of the reasons things have went so well for me is because I always worked for my keep." Family and friends treated Ann, of South Bend, to a real bash to celebrate her 100th birthday. The party was at the home she shares with her nephew and niece, Clarence and Karen Collier. "I just didn't know what to do with myself," she said. "There was so many presents, so much food and lots of love. It was just wonderful." Ann's mother and father divorced when she was young so she moved to Chicago to live with family there. By the age of 20 she was living on her own, and determined to make it. "I was young when I left Mississippi, but I can remember the water fountain marked "colored," she said. "I guess that was one of the reasons my mother wanted to get me away from all that. "She thought things would be better up North. Anywhere would have been better than the South." Dates are hard for her to remember, but she recalls the best job she held in Chicago. It was in the 1920s after she attended a vocational school and became a seamstress. She made collars for years. "I think I made about $7 a week," Ann said. "I used to sew collars by the bundles. It was the first time I had been around white people. "Down South I never was around white people. But when I got to Chicago, I remember working side by side with a Polish lady. She told me something back in 1928 that I have never forgot. She said no matter how much money you make, save a dollar. I still do it to this day." In 1938, she married James Howard and they had a great life together for 49 years. He died in 1987 after she had cared for him for 17 years. They had no children, but claimed many. After living in Chicago for years, Ann moved to South Bend. She cites several factors as contributing to her longevity. "I had a good marriage and I have always worked," Ann said. "I have always been able to stand up for myself." She said her husband taught her to defend herself. Ann said she's always treated people the way she wanted them to treat her. And her rule is to never let anyone "pull you down." Not one to sit idle, Ann still helps out where she can. Recently she took toys to the Toys for Tots drive and she reads the paper every day. She still writes and keeps in touch with her friends. "My life is wonderful," she said. "You just can't imagine how blessed I am." *** "I don't drink or smoke," said Arthur Lawrence, who turned 100 last week. "I take care of myself and I'm still in pretty good shape." Arthur has been a resident of the West Side since leaving Mississippi more than 50 years ago. His family threw him a party last week. Along with traditional birthday gifts, Arthur was surprised by a birthday announcement by Willard Scott on NBC-TV's "Today Show." "It was very nice to see people recognize me on the television," Arthur said. "I have always worked hard and saved my money. I believe if you work hard and believe in the good Lord nothing can stop you from doing anything you want." Born Dec. 6, 1906, in Oklona, Miss., Arthur came to South Bend in the 1950's. He was married to Christine, who died in 1992. According to his family, Arthur is a very generous man. "My grandfather has showed us how to take care of family," said Ronda Barker, a granddaughter. "He worked hard before he retired and saved his money. He had a plan for himself. He is a fair and honest man and is very independent. He is just a great man." Arthur has fond memories of his life, although he clearly recalls two brushes with death. The first time was when he was a young boy in Mississippi and he and a friend were riding a horse together. His friend got off the horse to open the gate and was struck by lightning. Both the friend and horse were killed, but Arthur was spared. Another time a friend was drowning and Arthur jumped in to help. But his friend panicked, making the rescue difficult. He persuaded his friend that if he settled down he could get them out. He did. Both were saved. Arthur has made an effort to take care of himself. "I have always worked a full day for a honest day pay," he said. "I never followed trouble. If someone was fighting I went the other way. I cared for my family and treated people right." Arthur still makes his own bed each morning and tidies his house. He still cares for himself, works in his yard and even drives a bit. He is a veteran of World War II and he received birthday letters from South Bend Mayor Stephen Luecke and President Bush. May Lee Johnson Tales from the West Side May Lee Johnson is a Tribune staff writer.